As we dive into this week’s NFL happenings, the NFC East is looking particularly competitive. The Dallas Cowboys have recently slipped in the standings after a disappointing loss to the Detroit Lions, landing them in third place. With their bye week approaching, this break might allow both the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles to extend their lead in the division. Currently, the standings reflect a shift, with the Commanders holding a 4-2 record, followed closely by the Eagles at 3-2, and the Cowboys sitting at 3-3. The New York Giants are trailing at 2-4.
Looking ahead to Week 7, the Commanders are anticipated to secure a win against the Carolina Panthers, who are struggling to regain their footing. After a brief improvement with Andy Dalton at quarterback, the Panthers are back to their losing ways and are likely seeking the top draft pick for 2025. Washington, with a solid performance, should have a favorable chance to improve their record to 5-2. Meanwhile, the Eagles face a more daunting task against the Giants, who have shown resilience in recent weeks, including an impressive road victory in Seattle. Despite their struggles, the Eagles will be looking to build on their offense, especially with A.J. Brown back in action.
The Cowboys’ recent performance has left their fanbase feeling disheartened. Following the humbling defeat to the Lions, a survey revealed that only 3% of Cowboys fans believe the franchise is on the right track. This statistic marks a significant low for a team currently at .500. The frustrations stem not only from the recent losses but also from perceived inaction during the offseason. With playoff hopes dwindling, fans are left questioning the team’s future and management decisions.
In contrast, the Philadelphia Eagles have made some roster adjustments ahead of their matchup. Safety Sydney Brown has been activated from the physically unable to perform list, marking a notable return after an ACL injury. This could bolster their special teams, while his role on defense will be evaluated as he competes for a spot behind established starters. Meanwhile, OL Jack Driscoll has been temporarily elevated from the practice squad, providing depth as the Eagles prepare for a critical game.
Lastly, the salary cap situation for the Eagles adds another layer of complexity to their roster management. Unlike teams like the New Orleans Saints, who are notorious for restructuring contracts to create cap space, the Eagles find themselves limited in their options. They currently do not have any players with contracts exceeding $1.75 million outside of their rookie deals, making it challenging to free up funds for upgrades. As the team prepares for future seasons, maintaining financial flexibility will be crucial, but for now, their focus is on maximizing their current roster to remain competitive in the NFC East.